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Data & Analytics

HR and Finance Data Governance Model

Clemson's HR and Finance Data Governance structure serves as a foundational model for data governance at Clemson, working cross-functionally across data domains to inform stakeholders, in partnership with IT Governance, on data-related initiatives and activities.

The HR and Finance data governance program builds on existing processes to implement a streamlined, integrated data governance approach.

This partnership allows leadership and data stakeholders to trust institutional data assets and make informed decisions based on consistent, reliable insights.

The HR and Finance Data Governance framework defines decision rights and accountability. It does not replace existing operational teams or business processes.

NOTE: The initial Data Governance model includes the Human Resources, Finance, Person, and Organization domains. Additional domains and subdomains will be prioritized and incorporated as the program matures, with consultation and discussion from other domain leaders and Executive Sponsors of the data governance framework.

Foundational Data Governance Model

Executive Sponsors

Provides strategic oversight, Overall data governance champion

Rick Petillo
(SVP/CFO)
Cole Smith
(EVP/Provost)
Brian Voss
(VP/CIO)

Executive Steering Committee

Guides Priorities, Promotes change

Executive
Sponsor
Executive
Stakeholders*
Data Trustees
(as needed)

Data Governance Council

Establish strategy and oversee tactical work, overall adoption

DG Lead / EDS Liaison
(Kim Thrower)
Data Trustees
Advisors

Data Governance Operations

Execution of DG work; members also contribute to assessing and making recommendations as needed

HR

  • Data Trustee
  • Data Steward
  • Data Custodian

Finance

  • Data Trustee
  • Data Steward
  • Data Custodian

Person

  • Data Trustee
  • Data Steward
  • Data Custodian

Organization

  • Data Trustee
  • Data Steward
  • Data Custodian

Working Groups (examples)

Analyze and propose action plan to address a specific issue or opportunity

Data Quality
Privacy
Master Data
  • Data Trustee

    Data Trustees are accountable for data decisions within their assigned domain. They approve definitions, standards, and priorities, and escalate cross‑domain issues when needed. Trustees are not responsible for day‑to‑day data management activities.

  • Data Steward

    Data Stewards are domain experts responsible for the consistent definition, quality, and use of critical data within a domain or subdomain. Stewards are not responsible for technical configuration or system administration.

  • Data Custodian

    Data Custodians are technical resources who implement and maintain systems that support governed data, and support Data Stewards with metadata, data quality, and monitoring activities. Data Custodians are not responsible for defining business meaning or making governance decisions.

  • Data Governance Lead / EDS Liaison

    The Data Governance Lead / EDS Liaison coordinates and oversees the execution of Clemson’s Data Governance program and serves as the primary connection between business stakeholders and Enterprise Data Services. This role is responsible for coordinating the Data Governance Council in the short-term. NOTE: This role will be split into two separate roles in the future.

  • Business Liaison

    The Business Liaison acts as the primary connector between the Data Governance program and the broader Clemson community, supporting communication, alignment, and adoption of governance practices. The Business Liaison supports the Data Governance Lead / EDS Liaison, champions Data Governance to encourage University engagement in Data Governance.

  • Data Governance Council (DGC)

    The DGC provides oversight and cross functional decision‑making for data governance at Clemson and resolves cross functional data issues that are escalated by Data Trustees and Stewards. The DGC is made up of Data Trustees from each in-scope data domain, the Data Governance Lead / EDS Liaison, and the Business Liaison.

  • Data Governance Steering Committee

    The Steering Committee provides ongoing oversight, monitors data governance effectiveness, and guides organizational change and compliance initiatives. The Steering Committee will approve or deny high-priority data policies and standards defined by the DGC to ensure alignment with Clemson data objectives.